2025–Measured in Books, Marked by Awards
A publishing year of perseverance and pride
Every December, I return to this page with the same question: How do I sum up a year made of so many voices? How do I capture the roller-coaster ride that publishing is? Will I be able to do justice to the hours of toil that my authors put before sending me the final draft; or the crazy ride that begins thereafter at our end; or the quiet joy of seeing a story finally find its shape in out in the world in all its glory?
Although we have an intensive selection process, I believe the right stories choose their way to us. This year at Readomania, they arrived in many forms: whispered, urgent, lyrical, angry, healing, playful. Some came fully formed, others needed patient shaping. All of them asked to be heard.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an editor is watching a manuscript evolve into a book, and a book gradually find its voice and readership. This year, as I completed a decade at Readomania, I found myself reflecting on that journey with particular gratitude, made even more meaningful by the recognition that followed.
The IGF Archer–Amish Award 2025 became one such moment. The Way Home by Shalini Mullick emerged as the winner, with Navapashanam by Nithya Neelakantan named the other finalist. To have two Readomania titles among the three global finalists, and the winner among them, was both humbling and immensely affirming. As out two star authors shined on the stage in London among literary stalwarts, it validated our purpose as a publisher.
Shalini says, “Becoming the inaugural winner of the IGF Archer Amish Award has been a surreal event, and a seminal milestone in my life journey. And it is a milestone, that would have been impossible without the constant support of my publisher, Readomania, for always believing in me and my stories, and for giving me the platform to take them out into the world.”
Finalist Nitya says, “Being a finalist at the IGF Archer Amish Awards was a writers dream come true. Being invited to London for the award ceremony, interacting with Amish Tripathi and simply being spoken to by Lord Archer was an incredible experience. I also had a fun couple of days getting to know and celebrating Shalini Mullick. I am so grateful for the journey that Navapashanam and I have had.”
Monica Singh’s Pronounced Guilty has had a remarkable journey since its publication. The novel went on to win multiple honours, including the Yatha Katha International Award, the Muse India Young Writer Award, and the Best Debut at the Authoropod Annual Awards 2025. Watching a debut author’s work receive such wide recognition reaffirmed our belief in backing bold, thoughtful storytelling that engages with difficult questions and uncomfortable truths. 2025 marked a personal milestone for Monica too as she was blessed with a sonny boy!
Reado Junior, our children’s imprint, received the FICCI Best Publisher Award for Mamathi Chari’s Thiruvalluvar’s Kural for Kids–Book 1 in the Children’s book of the Year (10 & above) category. What an achievement this is!
Bestselling author Mona Verma’s The Scent of Himalayas was longlisted for the Valley of Words Awards 2025.
The cover of Chetna Keer’s Geisha in the Gota Patti, designed by Rupak Neogy has been longlisted for the prestigious Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize 2025. We are extremely thrilled!
Smita Das Jain's Till Fate Do Us Part was the runner up in the Authoropod Awards- 2025, in the Best Fiction-Romance category. It was also the finalist in the International Page Turner Awards-2025. Many congratulations, Smita!
Ler me look back at the impactful non-fiction titles that we published this year.
Meandering Mouthfuls by PR doyen Rita Bhimani’s is a sumptuous culinary travelogue. With the finesse of a seasoned communicator, she takes readers on a global gastronomic journey—from the vineyards of Provence and the pastas of Italy to the spice-laden kitchens of Sri Lanka and the hilsa-rich tables of Bangladesh. Rich in anecdote and hospitality, this book celebrates cuisine as a living archive of memory, creativity, and cultural connection. And her limericks are the cherry on the cake!
Leadership is often described as a battle of strategy, resilience, and discipline—the same principles at the heart of martial arts. Leadership Insights from Martial Arts masterfully bridges these two worlds, showing how the discipline of the dojo translates seamlessly into effective leadership. Shihan Rahul Agarwal draws on decades of experience as a Karate practitioner and leadership coach to explore the deep connections between martial discipline and effective leadership. Blending personal anecdotes with practical frameworks, the book shows how principles of self-mastery, focus, and resilience cultivated in the dojo can be applied to everyday leadership challenges. A thoughtful and actionable guide, it offers a fresh lens on unlocking human potential, both at work and in life.
Build Your Career, Your Way by Kamalika Nandi is a practical and perceptive guide for young professionals stepping into the realities of the corporate world. Cutting through the gloss of conventional onboarding and training programmes, the book addresses unspoken challenges such as workplace politics, toxic cultures, and professional communication. With reflective questions, checklists, and actionable strategies, it equips readers with the clarity and emotional resilience needed to navigate their careers with confidence and intent. Kamalika not only gave birth to this impactful book but also to her younger son. Congratulations!
Physics doesn’t have to be intimidating—and Akhila E K’s Make Friends with Physics proves just that. Written for the curious reader rather than the exam-weary student, this book invites you to explore the wonders of the universe without drowning in equations. From Newton’s laws to the strange and fascinating worlds of relativity and quantum theory, it offers a big-picture view of physics in clear, accessible language, making learning both engaging and unexpectedly fun.
After his super successful Bollywood Odyssey: The Singing Taxman’s Journey into Film Music, which was released by Readomania in 2023, Ajay Mankotia came up with Not Just Rock ‘n’ Roll this year. This book is a dream come true for rock lovers, like a front-row seat to some of the greatest moments in rock history. From backstage conversations with legends like Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Brian May, and Ian Anderson to unforgettable concerts and iconic music moments, this is a high-voltage journey through rock ’n’ roll royalty. Packed with anecdotes, nostalgia, and fandom at its finest, the book reads like a backstage pass you never want to give back. You don’t want to miss Ajay’s photos with some of the rock icons!
Have you ever wondered if the future of India—and your own prosperity—was already written in the stars? Modi: The Master Problem Solver by ace scientific astrologer Greenstone Lobo and academician and political analyst Satish Modh, offers an unusual lens on leadership, blending biography, leadership theory, and scientific astrology to examine Narendra Modi’s decision-making and India’s trajectory in the years ahead. Exploring the cosmic and strategic patterns shaping the period between 2025 and 2030, the book invites readers to reflect on change, opportunity, and foresight in uncertain times. A thought-provoking read for those seeking clarity amid flux, it encourages a fresh way of looking at leadership, timing, and personal growth.
When Silence Speaks by prolific author Ramendra Kumar, shines a light on the hidden reality of domestic violence, a crisis that affects millions yet remains largely unreported. Grounded in real-life case studies and expert legal insight, the book breaks down the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 in an accessible and practical manner. Both an awareness-building and advocacy-driven work, it urges open conversations and collective action towards lasting solutions.
In a world overflowing with stories of achievement, few narratives cut as deeply, or shine as brightly, as the life of Dr. Deepak Mahajan. His memoir, From Deccan to Destiny: A Doctor’s Tale of Love, Loss, and Healing, is not merely a recounting of events but a powerful exploration of what it means to choose compassion in the face of suffering, and purpose over privilege. A compelling story of rising from trauma to purpose-driven service, this memoir is for anyone who has ever wondered how pain can be alchemized into purpose. It is a celebration of empathy, an ode to perseverance, and above all, a reminder that even in the harshest circumstances, the human spirit can choose to rise.
Editing these non-fiction titles this year was a deeply enriching experience for me as an editor. Spanning leadership, careers, science, music, social justice, travel, and the cosmos, each book reaffirmed my belief in the power of well-researched, thoughtfully written non-fiction to inform, provoke reflection, and spark meaningful conversations beyond the page.
Our poetry titles this year offered moments of pause and introspection—voices that spoke of love and loss, faith and longing, memory and meaning, inviting readers to slow down and listen between the lines.
Raasleela is the sequel to the hugely popular collection of poetry, Being Radha, beyond Her Love & His Leela by Tritpi Sharan. In this evocative reimagining of the eternal Radha–Krishna bond, Radha steps out of mythology and into the many lives of a modern woman. Across shifting roles—professional, seeker, artist, lover, and witness—she engages in intimate conversations with Krishna, her timeless companion, reflecting on love, time, loss, creativity, and the changing rhythms of the world.
After fiction and non-fiction, Master Mariner Beetashok Chatterjee is back this year with a new genre, poetry. Just an Old Sea Dog and Other Poems offers 52 lyrical poems steeped in the salt and spirit of the sea. With the beat of waves and the lilt of verse, these ballads chart a course through longing, adventure, hardship, disaster—and moments of pure joy. Each poem invites you aboard for a journey into the heart of sea life. You’ll find tales of sailors and storms, distant shores and silent grief, hope and humour riding the tides together.
The River Woman and Other Poems by Renu Roy is a haunting and lyrical collection that moves fluidly between the real and the surreal. With an experimental touch and rich musicality, Roy’s poems explore love, loss, nature, and time with quiet intensity. Blending fantasy with the familiar, the collection offers an immersive and evocative reading experience that lingers long after the last line.
Padma Bhushan Usha Uthup ji has this to say about Renu’s fourth poetry book:
“A poet of keen sensibilities, Renu has the unique ability to connect the tangible with the spiritual, the personal with the universal through imagery and metaphor that are both powerful and eloquent. The book is a profound reading experience and leaves one with a deep sense of reflection.”
When Wish is a Wildflower by Gargi Guha is a poetic pause—a gentle invitation to step off the treadmill of daily life and lean into the quiet wonder of being. With lyrical tenderness, this collection gathers the fleeting, near-invisible joys that bloom along the periphery of our routines: the glint of morning light, the soft rustle of leaves, the sudden visit of a red-whiskered bulbul. This collection, consisting of 50 finely crafted poems, invites universal readers who have navigated the phases of living, loving, longing, and losing.
The Precious Ordinary by talented young poetess Trishala Niranjana Vardhan, is a lustrous meditation on what it means to be alive, flecked with light, fragmented, and full of feeling. Guided by the poet’s quiet conviction that poetry can survive anything—and help us survive too—this collection holds out the flame of creation against the darkness of daily existence. These are not just verses, but invitations—to dream wildly and to live with just a little more curiosity and courage.
These poetry titles reminded me of the enduring power of verse; to pause time, hold emotion, and articulate what often remains unspoken.
From quiet introspection to edge-of-the-seat suspense, our fiction titles this year proved that great stories refuse to be boxed in. They moved effortlessly from the familiar to the fantastical, the unsettling to the intimate, and everything in between.
Let’s talk about the thrillers first, albeit my most favourite genre.
The year’s first fiction book was Jaya Siva Murty’s The Curse of the Vedic Code. What happens when Vedic wisdom garners futuristic AI capabilities? Does the end of the world become inevitable? Find out in this fast-paced thriller that merges elements of Vedic scriptures and cutting-edge technology.
Tejaswi Priyadarshi’s Berserk is a mind-boggling horror psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is gripping and the pace is fast without any beating around the bush.
Sarojesh Mukerjee's crime fiction Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief is a classic whodunnit with a razon sharp edge. This gripping thriller plunges readers into a deadly reunion where secrets explode and no one is who they seem. Narrated in the epistolary style, the novel's unique storytelling style adds realism, intimacy, and suspense, making readers feel like they’re uncovering the mystery firsthand.
In the ancient desert city of Zephyria, secrets stir beneath the sands. Haunted by her parents’ mysterious deaths, Layla sets out to uncover the truth behind her lineage and the magic in her veins. As she navigates forgotten ruins, mystical traps, and rising dark forces, she must summon courage and resilience to claim her destiny—or risk sharing her parents’ fate. Sunali Singh Ranaa’s Whispers in the Cursed Desert, the first book in the Enchanted Dune Saga, is a thrilling tale of mystery, magic, and self-discovery. Ranaa paints vivid imagery through her words and metaphors, making her narrative a visual treat.
Picture this. A ghost in the hills. Ten lives in motion. One truth that binds them all. Through ten soul-stirring stories, this lyrical collection explores how fate binds even the most unlikely lives. Anchored in Himalayan folklore and human resilience, it is a tribute to the beauty and pain of simply being. With a blend of Himalayan folklores, myths, and culture, Prerna Dewan’s Whispers in the Mist highlights the complexity of the human spirit, the resilience and strength of ordinary people to overcome life's adversities. Such a delightful book!
Debalina Haldar’s The Daughters of Shantiniketan is a riveting tale of forbidden love, generational struggles, defiance, and the fight for self-expression in a world defined by tradition. Debalina’s beautiful and lyrical prose conjures a sensory-rich world where music, tradition, and memory coalesce, pulling the reader into the soulful fabric of Bengali culture. A must read!
In The Highlands of Yore, Monisha Raman takes us on a journey to Betta, a mythical mountain district where generations of women have been the keepers of knowledge, choice, and love. Written in prose that’s both poetic and grounded, The Highlands of Yore blends mythic resonance with intimate realism, offering a reading experience that’s sensory, reflective, and profoundly human. This book beautifully fuses ecological awareness with the emotional truths of a community that refuses to be forgotten.
What defines us more—our roots that ground us or the roads that beckon us away? Soumya Doralli’s Those Ripples Call Me Home is a lyrical exploration of identity and belonging. Soumya’s lush, literary prose elevates the reading experience of this universally relatable coming-of-age story. Her writing style promises beauty and depth, appealing to readers of literary fiction who seek more than just plot.
Diverse in theme, tone, and style, our short story collections this year unfolded like a bouquet of literary flavours—sharp, subtle, intense, and indulgent in equal measure. Editing them was a joy; each one different from the other, yet united by strong voices and compelling narratives that lingered long after the last page.
Aruna Nambiar, the queen of tongue-in-cheek storytelling, literally unleashed a laughter riot with Aiyyo, What Will the Neighbours Say?. With thirteen stories that are as hilariously relatable as they are deeply insightful, this book is a delight. Everyday moments—an argument, a bad mood, a forgotten toy—become deliciously absurd and unexpectedly moving in her hands. With her signature humour and razor-sharp observation, Nambiar dissects the drama of middle-class India with warmth, wit, and a twinkle in her eye.
Sujata Rajpal’s Things Left Unsaid is a heartwarming collection of short stories that delves into the intricate emotions that come with love, loss, betrayal, and healing. From the soaring heights of passion to the deepest depths of heartache, these tales explore the fragile nature of relationships—love lost, trust broken, friendships tested, and families torn apart. Rajpal masterfully navigates the complexities of rebuilding a life after emotional turmoil.
In Beyond the Hibiscus Sky, Sonika Sethi tells stories where emotions run wild, romance gets complicated, and secrets don’t stay buried for long. From lovers tangled in webs of desire to partners caught in thrillers of their own making, these tales explore the chaotic beauty of being human—quirks, flaws, and all. Each story blooms like a hibiscus: vibrant, layered, and occasionally dangerous. If you love stories that are equal parts suspenseful and heartfelt, Beyond the Hibiscus Sky will keep you guessing and feeling.
After the literary masterpiece All Men Are Worshippers, Dinesh Prasad’s The Best People on Earth was published in 2025. This collection of short stories explores a broad range of emotions—from grief, loss, and violence to love, empathy, and resolution—making it a deeply human and relatable read. Each character faces distinct personal dilemmas, from ambition and passion to denial and yearning, offering diverse perspectives and life journeys. The book invites readers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and personal growth, encouraging introspection about the people they know and the person they are becoming.
Shalini Mullick’s One More Chapter is a collection of short stories which depict the challenges faced by ordinary women and how they emerge victorious and display their inner strength. Each story is a testament to the struggles that women have to endure due to society’s gender discrimination and how they show their resilience in every situation.
Queer Chronicles by Dr Tanushree Ghosh explores the evolving landscape of gender identity and sexual orientation, delving deep into the complexities of the LGBTQ+ experience. From parenthood to persecution, across and in between the lines, this hard-hitting collection explores gender and sexuality with raw honesty and vulnerability—giving voice to the multifaceted and often misunderstood experiences of its queer protagonists. If not a solution, the author aims that this book will enable readers to ask the right questions.
This year too Readomania partnered with the JK Paper-Times of India AutHer Awards for the Best Manuscript category. We scoured through multiple submissions to choose the winner and the runner up. Tista Hijli’s winning manuscript The Alchemy of Love was developed and published as Under Ordinary Skies. This collection of 12 short stories explores universal emotions of love, loss, hope, and resilience through different lenses—family, identity, dreams, and belonging. It is unbelievable that a teenager can have so much depth and literary prowess. We are in awe of you, Tista!
After The Blogchatter Book of Crime and The Blogchatter Book of Love, this year we partnered with the Blogchatter team to publish The Blogchatter Book of Food, a rich and evocative anthology of 18 stories where food becomes metaphor, memory, and meaning. Here, the clink of ladles is the sound of resistance, recipes are rituals of remembering, and every plate is a symbol of love or silent revolution. Because sometimes, the most profound stories are not told aloud. They are served.
For our younger readers, Reado Junior continued to celebrate the joy of reading through stories that spark curiosity, nurture imagination, and gently introduce life’s lessons in engaging ways. These books are embellished with rich illustrations and editing them is such a joy.
Sarvamitra’s The Quest for Sanchi's Lost Treasure is a thrilling adventure set in one of India’s most revered archaeological sites. An adventure-filled treasure hunt in a heritage site with three young sleuths—this is a perfect recipe for an awesome book!
Avanti Sopory’s Dadi, Dantkatha and the Djinns brings to life the timeless magic of Kashmiri folklore, passed down through generations orally. These stories, filled with wisdom and life lessons, were narrated by grandparents on long, cold winter nights, captivating children with tales of witches, fairies, kings, talking animals, wise villagers, and djinns. In a world where languages and traditions risk being forgotten, this collection stands as a testament to the resilience of Kashmiri identity through the power of stories.
Apart from being an ace thriller writer, Deepti Menon has carved out a niche for herself in the field of literary adaptation. This year she came up with Unforgettable Classic Stories—Mystery and Suspense, her eleventh book! Unforgettable Classic Stories is like a global literary journey, which features timeless stories from renowned authors across Russia, England, and America. It is an eclectic mix of genres—mystery, fantasy, horror, romance, and suspense—something for every reader’s taste. Truly an immersive and suspenseful experience!
Publishing in general and an editorial job in particular is not for the faint-hearted. It is built on long hours, overflowing inboxes, endless revisions, and spirited arguments over commas, covers, blurbs, titles, and timelines. There are days spent chasing deadlines, evenings lost to last-minute changes, and moments of sheer frustration when delays threaten to undo the best-laid plans. And yet, almost miraculously, there comes that moment when the final book arrives, freshly printed, smelling of ink and possibility. All the chaos fades, replaced by quiet ecstasy, especially when readers begin to respond and stories find their way into hearts and homes.
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary people I work with. I am deeply grateful to my authors, who trust me with their words, challenge me, argue with me, and still allow me to walk beside them through the making of their books.
To Readomania's Founder and Publisher and my mentor Dipankar Mukherjee, who has been the wind beneath my wings, who gives me the headaches as well as the painkillers, thank you. I owe my confidence, my productivity and a few of my greys to you!
To my entire team at Readomania—the editorial and marketing associates, the designers and artists, the production and admin team—thank you for your patience, passion, resilience, and determination in the face of impossible timelines. This journey is demanding and utterly exhausting, but it is also deeply fulfilling. And as always, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As we add titles to our 2026 catalogue, I am super exciting and cannot wait for the world to see the diverse and rich books we have to offer.
I, on behalf of Team Readomania, wish everyone a creative and healthy 2026. May literature continue to challenge us, comfort us, and help shape a more thoughtful world.
Read something nice, write something beautiful...
INDRANI GANGULY
December 2025
NOTE: All our books are available on Amazon and www.readomania.com (https://www.readomania.com/shop).
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